November 1959, Road & Track:
"MORE ON THE ALPINE. Since our September announcement of a new Sunbeam
Alpine, we have obtained more detailed specifications and data. The more
interesting item is the fact that this is not a highly tuned Hillman
engine, or even a modified Rapier. Just about every single major component
is new and/or different. The cylinder block, for instance, has extra
rigidity imparted by virtue of three stiffening ribs and a much heavier
flange at the bottom. The crankshaft is made of a special high-tensile
steel alloy and the connecting rod inserts are faced with lead-indium. As
we mentioned before, the cylinder head is completely new, cast of aluminum
and has alternating intake and exhaust valves. This arrangement has been
used in some Ford V-8 engines for two years with the idea of giving a more
uniform temperature distribution along the length of the engine.
"Gross power is given at 83.5 at 5300 rpm, which, considering the
displacement of 1494 cc, is very exceptional. This should be enough to
insure a genuine 100 mph, as claimed. I don't think it will quite equal
the MG-1600 in acceleration ability, though it will be might close."
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